Jan. 18th - Pruning

When I was in FFA, my AG teacher said, "When it doubt, cut it out". That was all I remember about our session on taking care of trees etc... Rhyming has a powerful effect!
"When it doubt, cut it out".
Jesus said, "Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit". (John 15:2)
I'm not sure what "takes away" means but let's don't build a doctrine around it! The point of my thoughts this morning is "prunes". Not the fruit...the painful process of removal. Now before you get painfully nervous about painful pruning, let me ease your concerns a bit. Pruning is good for you!
Pruning promotes health.
Pruning promotes growth.
Pruning promotes strength.
Pruning promotes stability.
When it comes to God's pruning in our lives, we certainly should embrace the thought that He has our best interest in mind as well as His eternal purpose. When you read John 15, you will discover that His eternal purpose for you is to "bear much fruit" and for that fruit to "remain". That's His plan for you and when His plan begins to come to fruition, He is "glorified" and you are purified and sanctified by the pruning of God in your life.
Pruning removes the UNWILLING branches.
Pruning removes the UNHOLY branches.
Pruning removes the UNHEALTHY branches.
Pruning removes the UNNECESSARY branches.
Also remember that "every branch" that bears fruit will be pruned. If you don't want to be pruned then don't bear any fruit. Sit back and refuse if you want. You can then be one that He "takes away". Whatever than means...I certainly don't want to go there so my response to God this morning is "when in doubt cut it out".

Meet you here in the morning,
Sam

Suggested Reading:
Proverbs 18
John 15

Quote of the Day: "When in doubt, cut it out" - Jack Cook

Web site of the day: http://mtvernon.wsu.edu/frt_hort/pruning_basics.htm